VBSR is introducing a means of measurement, the VBSR Venture, for individual companies to assess their investment in environmental and social bottom lines.  

We have long advocated for multiple bottom lines - economic, social and environmental - because we understand that healthy people, healthy communities, and a healthy environment are the foundations of a healthy economy.  Recent economic trends are making us look pretty smart.  But the question now becomes: "What is a social or environmental bottom line?"

There is no standard for business performance on any of the three bottom lines.  The costs and benefits of social and environmental investments are as widely varied as the economic objectives of individual companies.  But an economic bottom line, with a host of metrics, will attract a lot more management attention and energy than a result that can't be measured.  

The Venture consists of an array of business practices that may or may not pertain to your company.  Answer those questions that you deem appropriate to your company and you will get a numeric baseline against which you can gauge your progress when you revisit the Venture again and again.  

VBSR is not setting a standard for your economic, social or environmental results.  We do, however, believe that by investing in all three, you will build a more sustainable business.  

The Venture was developed by a Burlington circle of business people who asked the question, "What does social responsibility mean for my business?"  The current version is in beta-test and can be found here.

Will Patten
Executive Director
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
willp@vbsr.org
802.862.8347